Here''s one example of why those who are left-wing ideological and cultural icons are doing in their own political chances to influence:

"What will follow these elections is this country''s demise," predicted Yoram Kaniuk, a prominent, left-wing Israeli author and Tel Avivian..."Bennett reminds me of the European politics of bygone days," said Mr Kaniuk, alluding to the rise of the far-right led by demagogues in the 1920s and ''30s.